c01 Extra Story Gion
In a secluded café nestled in the quieter quarter of Dressrosa's capital a world-renowned city rebuilt after Doflamingo's fall a new story quietly begins.
"Hello."
"Hello."
A man in a slightly wrinkled suit introduced himself with a hint of nervousness.
"My name is Sezka. I'm 35 years old. I was introduced by Fleet Admiral Sengoku. I run a cattle farm near Foosha Village in the East Blue."
The woman sitting across from him, dressed in a modified marine Taoist-style robe with subtle Wano influences, toyed with her coffee, visibly distracted, yet raised an eyebrow at his introduction.
"Oh, so what do you have?"
Sezka: …
Her casual, almost dismissive tone caught Sezka off guard. Had she not been this striking a woman who, despite nearing 40, still rivaled the beauty of Hancock or even Tsunade in her prime he might have stood up and walked away.
Still, Sengoku hadn't exaggerated. Gion, also known as Momousagi, really hadn't aged a day.
"I mostly raise cattle. Some sheep, horses, and a few border collies, though not many."
Gion blinked once, then leaned forward slightly, mildly curious.
"Collies? What color?"
Seeing a potential connection, Sezka was relieved and silently encouraged himself.
"Golden and white."
Her expression shifted ever so slightly. She tilted her head, brow furrowed.
"Why not khaki? Or even black and white like the ones they use in Nami's hometown?"
"Um… khaki isn't a natural collie color. And personally, I prefer the golden-white coats."
"Then why not just get a khaki mutt?"
"Because native dogs can't herd properly. They can't help with cattle either too undisciplined."
"Oh? Then why does the dog need to herd the sheep again?"
"..."
Her deliberately obtuse question drained the last of Sezka's enthusiasm. Sensing no real interest on her part, he stood slowly and offered his business card.
"Ms. Gion, maybe this wasn't the best time for you. Still, I'll leave my card. I've been seriously searching for someone I can connect with. If you change your mind, I'd be happy to talk again."
He smiled faintly, placing the card between them.
"Or if you ever visit East Blue, I'd love to treat you to our farm's specialty milk bricks. They're quite popular, even with travelers from places like Cocoyasi."
Gion, still detached, accepted the card with a smile.
"Thanks. If you enjoyed the coffee here, just mention my name next time. It's on the house even if you bring a hundred people."
For a moment, Sezka felt the air lighten. Maybe she was warming up to him?
But then again, he wasn't a legendary swordsman, a revolutionary, or a ghost from Wano's past. She seemed pleased only because the blind date had reached its conclusion.
After a few more polite exchanges, Sezka reached for his wallet, paused, and remembered her offer. Smiling wryly, he left without paying, stepping out into the Dressrosan sunlight.
Gion didn't move. She slumped back into the sofa, the polite façade dropping, and flipped the business card with her finger.
"Milk bricks, huh? Yamato would probably enjoy that sort of thing. Might be worth ordering a batch. And that Sezka guy… doesn't seem too bad."
She craned her neck lazily just as a shadow approached the table.
"Yo~ Surprising to see you here, Hancock. Thought you only showed up when there was booze involved."
The visitor was none other than Boa Hancock, Empress of Amazon Lily, who regarded Gion with her usual haughty gaze. She placed a glossy gift box on the table like a royal decree, plopped beside Gion, and promptly hijacked her half-finished coffee.
"I'm here to see Madara-sama and that weirdo Garm, not you, pervert."
She sipped and immediately winced.
"Also, what's with this? You ditched your tea house to hang out in a sugar factory?"
Gion stretched, letting out a content sigh.
"Mmm~ Sengoku said cafés were more 'modern' and 'romantic' for matchmaking than traditional tea rooms."
Hancock grimaced and set the cup down like it offended her entire bloodline. The taste wasn't coffee anymore it was just sugar masquerading as coffee. She was certain Gion had mistaken rock sugar for milk cubes.
With visible judgment, Hancock returned the mug.
"He may be right for normal people. But you? You're still measuring men against Madara Uchiha. That's a doomed strategy if I've ever seen one."
While Hancock was speaking, Gion had already slipped behind her, placing her hands on the Pirate Empress's smooth shoulders with a playful smirk.
"Wow, it's mainly Vice Admiral Tsuru and Zephyr who've been pushing for this. I had no choice agreeing to a blind date was just to keep them off my back."
As for Gion's teasing touch, Hancock didn't react with her usual haughty dismissal or anger. Instead, she responded with an indifferent tone.
"Every time I see my Kuja warriors, I'm reminded of how easily they're swayed by passion. If even half of that devotion were directed toward men, Uchiha Madara's descendants would've been leading Konoha by now."
Gion ignored Hancock's half-hearted jab, instead wrapping her arms around the Snake Princess with a grin, nuzzling her cheek affectionately.
"Not everyone is so easily tempted. Of course, no one compares to you, Hancock~"
Annoyed by the excessive contact, Hancock pushed Gion away with a glare.
"What of the Uchiha name? If I were you, that lineage alone would be reason enough to bear heirs. Imagine presenting Madara-sama with his great-grandchildren his pride would be immeasurable."
Gion recoiled dramatically, shaking her head in exaggerated horror.
"Absolutely not! Childbirth is agony! I was there when Portgas D. Rouge gave birth her screams alone gave me nightmares for weeks!"
"And after Ace was born, the first thing she did wasn't hold him it was punch a hole through the wall in frustration!"
Gion shuddered at the memory before flinging her arms open theatrically.
"Just thinking about it terrifies me! No, no, no my fragile heart can't take it! I need a comforting embrace to recover!"
---